I’m always excited when Murad launch a new range. Earlier this year, Murad launched their Cellular Hydration range. This range was born from the fact we’re all obsessed with highly active skincare, and our skin can sometimes suffer as a result.
We’ve all been guilty of overdoing the actives from time to time. It can often lead to a compromised skin barrier, where you see signs of redness, dullness, dryness itchy or sore skin and sometimes even breakouts.
Murad have stepped in with their Cellular Hydration range, which aims to repair damaged skin and fortify the skin cells by using three essential elements: hydration, fatty acids and peptides. From the minute these landed on my doorstep, I knew I’d love these products.
I think the best way to use skincare with strong active ingredients in them is by using a range like the Cellular Hydration range alongside them. It will help mitigate any irritation and keep your skin barrier strong, which means your actives can work a whole lot better.
I’ve been slowly using some of these over the last couple of months to see what they’re like. And I have to say – I’m impressed. There is something for everyone in this range – whether you prefer a serum, moisturiser or a mask – you are catered for nicely.
MURAD CELLULAR HYDRATION REPAIR MASK
What is it?
A beautifully rich, nourishing and moisturising overnight mask which helps that repairs dry, red and rough skin at the cellular level.
Targets
Stressed Skin, Sensitised Skin, Redness, Dryness, Roughness.
What’s in it?
Refined Bilberry Seed Oil – Rich in essential fatty acids omegas 3 and 6, which help support a healthy skin barrier.
Hibiscus Extract – Delivers hydration quickly to prevent water loss.
Canadian Willowherb – Has antioxidant-like properties which help reduce damage from oxidative stress.
What do I think?
This is hands down my favourite product from the range. Let’s start with the texture – it’s buttery rich and immediately provides moisture and comfort to the parchest skins.
When applied to sensitised skin, it feels soothing and my tight, dry skin feels like it’s got its hydration back. It doesn’t leave the skin feeling greasy, or overloaded with product – simply like it’s been replenished and fed.
There is a slight tackiness when applied, but this soon subsides once it’s absorbed. As a skin soother – it’s fantastic.
Any redness is reduced dramatically overnight, and the next day my skin looks plumper and healthier. I find the hydration element of this masks last well into the next day too.
How to use
Whilst it’s an overnight mask, I have been known to wear this in the day during the depths of winter when my skin seeks something nourishing. If wearing at night, you may want to apply it a couple of hours before bed to allow to fully absorb. I don’t mind the fact it takes a while to absorb – it’s a mask, so it’s not meant to absorb immediately – but it’s something to note if you’re funny about absorption when it comes to skincare.
Price
£55.00 for 50ml.
MURAD CELLULAR HYDRATION BARRIER REPAIR SERUM
What is it?
A moisturising and repairing serum that helps soothe the skin, restore a damaged skin barrier.
Targets
Stressed Skin, Sensitised Skin, Redness, Dryness, Roughness, Dehydration.
What’s in it?
Biomimetic Hexapeptide-9 – A barrier-enforcing peptide which helps restore damaged skin by reducing water loss.
Refined Bilberry Seed Oil – Rich in essential fatty acids omegas 3 and 6, which help support a healthy skin barrier.
Network of Hyaluronic Acid Molecules – Forms a protective layer that continuously delivers water to the skin.
What do I think?
If you want something repairing and soothing to layer with your retinoids of exfoliating treatments, then this would be your go-to. Even more so, if you’re quite content with your current moisturiser and would rather a serum than a cream for barrier repair.
The texture is light, non-sticky but intensely hydrating. There’s a little bit of a funny smell to it – if I had to describe it, I would say it’s a bit clove like? But the smell dissipates once applied, so it’s not a problem.
The results from this are quick, which took my by surprise. I had used an exfoliating mask which didn’t agree with my skin. My skin was hot and sore and felt about two sizes to small for my body. I used this and a moisturiser from a different brand just to put it through it’s paces. It soothed the irritation within minutes when applied, and after a day it was as if I hadn’t had a reaction to the exfoliating mask at all. I didn’t expect it to work so quickly – normally treatments such as this take at least 3 days to work. Therefore, if you’re in the need of something repairing quickly, I would so recommend this.
How to use
I’d use this morning and evening. I’d especially use it alongside retinoids or exfoliating acids. It’ll help minimise any irritation from occuring in the first place.
Price
£72.00 for 30ml. Admittedly, not the cheapest, but when it works this well, it’s so worth it.
MURAD CELLULAR HYDRATION BARRIER REPAIR CREAM
What is it?
This is your daily nourishing cream for dry, flaky skin. It can be used in conjunction with the serum, or without. Both work well together, but can be used on their own.
Targets
Stressed Skin, Sensitised Skin, Redness, Dryness, Roughness, Dehydration.
What’s in it?
Refined Bilberry Seed Oil – Rich in essential fatty acids omegas 3 and 6, which help support a healthy skin barrier.
Premium (elevated with an oat-like molecule) – Soothes and helps retain moisture within the skin
Fast-acting compound (that mimics calming botanicals) – Helps increase the tolerance of highly reactive skin.
What do I think?
This gets a big yes from me as someone with dry and dehydrated skin. If you don’t like the idea of the overnight mask, and would prefer a cream you can use day and night, then this would be your option to go for.
The pump jar dispenses just the right amount of product to cover your face and neck. It’s got a lighter texture than the overnight mask, as you would expect, but still offers a nourishing and hydrating experience. If you suffer from dry or dehydrated skin, you will know that this can cause your fine lines and wrinkles to look worse. When using this, it has a plumping effect on my skin which is great for reducing the fine lines and wrinkles.
This didn’t help with soothing as much as the serum or overnight mask did. I’d reach for either of those if I wanted something soothing before I reached for this one – but as a day-to-day cream for use alongside your actives or for tackling dryness and dehydration, it’s a good choice.
It’s got all the barrier-building ingredients you could want, plays well with your other serums, and doesn’t pill when sunscreen is applied on top.
How to use
I use this in the morning after cleansing or after using a hydrating or exfoliating toner. Due to the silicone base, you do need to be a bit careful with layering this one or else you may get a bit of pilling. I tend to only use one serum in my morning routine, so I generally manage to avoid the pilling. It’s best to let the product absorb a little bit before applying moisturiser.
Price
£69.00 for 50ml
Overall, I’ve been really impressed with this range and I will definitely repurchase all the products at some point. As mentioned above, the Overnight Mask is my current favourite, with the serum and moisturiser closely followed behind.
If you’re looking for a good Murad cleanser to enjoy alongside this range, then I would absolutely recommend the Soothing Oat & Peptide Cleanser (review here).
